Rereading the exact wording was useful, and Coach Jen's clarification really helps me distinguish what the questions are trying to focus on. I "read right over" the key difference, as my mind has always interpreted the definition of exercise and Cardio as "how I keep fit & a healthy body" and my food choices as "how I choose the Weight I am" component. Even when I get to my goal weight, I will continue the longer Cardio sessions, as I've already done them for years despite my weight fluctuations! But I will be upping my calories a little to keep the weight steady.

Happy Cardio-ing! And thanks again....

Edited by: LADYSTARWIND at: 4/15/2013 (12:31)

Patti "You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view" Obiwan Return of the Jedi

SPARK_COACH_JEN
Posts:
58,647
4/15/13 9:52 A

I think the difference is that the first recommendation is for weight loss, and the second one is just for overall good health. So if you're trying to lose weight, I agree that 3-5 cardio sessions per week is important, slowly building up to that level if you need to. If you just want to have a stronger heart and reduce your risk of illness and disease, then 20-60 minutes, most days of the week is a good idea (again, slowly building up to that level if you need to.)

Hope that helps,

Coach Jen

"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call "failure" is not the falling down but the staying down." Mary Pickford

"No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch."

Here are the actual 'explanation' from the quiz for those who want to comment.

"How many aerobic (cardio) exercise sessions should you aim for each week?" When it comes to cardio, aim for a minimum of 3 days per week with no more than 2 days between sessions. Gradually work your way up to 5 or 6 days per week. Frequency is especially important when it comes to weight loss. The more you exercise, the more calories you will burn. But don't forget the importance of rest and recovery. Give yourself at least 1 to 2 days off each week.

"True or False: You should do cardio for at least 20 minutes per day." Experts recommend that most people do cardio for a minimum of 20 minutes (for simple general health benefits) and up to about 60 minutes most days of the week. Exercise duration should be built up slowly over time. These 20 minutes do not include a warm up and cool down, which you should perform at every exercise session. For example, you should warm up for about 5 minutes, then do 20 minutes in your target zone, and finish by cooling down for another 5 minutes.

I just completed the Quiz: Test your Fitness IQ SparkPeople Fitness Quiz and have a Cardio question!

One question stated that Cardio should be 3-5 days a week, with 1-2 days rest in between....and one (#7) states that you should do 20 min of Cardio every day. ?! I'd never seen a reference for the second statement before.

Is the implication that we should do 20 min every day, but on 3 to5 of those days do longer, more intense Cardio workouts??

Thanks! I've still got a lot to learn apparently

Patti "You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view" Obiwan Return of the Jedi

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